Paul among the People

This book sets the letters of Paul against the background of ancient Greek and Roman literature, especially the bawdy and comic works Biblical scholars tend not to know. Quaker scholar and poet Sarah Ruden translates passages from these works and sets them beside famous and controversial passages of Paul and some modern interpretations. Using the early texts to explain important words, ideas, customs and institutions, she shows what Paul was likely reacting against and trying to say on such subjects as pleasure, homosexuality, women, slavery, the state, and love. She makes Paul real in his own world.